Clematis apiifolia

Common Names

Climber Wall Shrub, Nu Wei (女萎)

Summary

Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), the plant is a vigorous, deciduous climber with slender, woody, twining stems reaching 1–6 m. Leaves are ternate with leaflets 2–9(13) × 1.6–7(9.5) cm. Flowers are small cymes with 4 white sepals, about 1–1.6 cm in diameter, and bloom May–Sept; fruits are oblong to fusiform achenes with puberulous surfaces. It grows in forests, grassy slopes, and along streams from 100–2300 m elevation.

Prefers deep, moist soil with roots in shade and shoots reaching light; tolerates a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline including chalk, but dislikes poorly drained heavy clay. Somewhat cold-hardy to −15°C when dormant; USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Propagation by seed (cold-frame with soaking and stratification) and by layering of old stems or current-season growth, or internodal cuttings. Edible uses include young shoots cooked as a vegetable, dried leaves used as a tea substitute, and medicinal uses such as a stem infusion for colic, dysentery, dyspepsia, and sweating. Resistant to honey fungus; generally avoided by rabbits; can be aggressive and inhibit growth of nearby plants, esp. legumes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12 ft – 16 ft 5 in

Spread

16-16.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils; can grow in clay if grit is added for drainage.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Vigorous

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees and other pollinators